According to the lawsuit, Facebook never got permission to send SMS messages, but would send messages like, "It's John Smith's birthday. Reply to post a wish on his timeline or reply 1 to post 'Happy Birthday!'"

This happens to Facebook users who supply their phone number to the company, but is a form of marketing that is only permitted with express written consent.

“Facebook sent bulk and impersonal text messages by an autodialer to cell phones like Plaintiff’s, using standard response prompts. Every prompt solicits the receiver to engage on Facebook. This lawsuit is for the thousands of persons who did NOT give Facebook prior express consent,” say the complaint.